Method for providing idle screen layer endowed with visual effect and method for providing idle screen by using the same

ABSTRACT

A method for displaying an idle screen, which is varied depending on a specific condition of a mobile communication terminal, for better graphic impressions. When the user of the mobile communication terminal travels between countries, when a border crossing is detected, a landmark image of a corresponding country is displayed on the idle screen. In addition, an animation effect is displayed on the idle screen so as to inform of the occurrence of the corresponding event. Accordingly, a novel graphic effect is provided to the user via a user interface having enhanced entertaining features.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to an applicationentitled “Method For Providing Idle Screen Layer Endowed With VisualEffect And Method For Providing Idle Screen By Using The Same” filedwith the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 24, 2006 andassigned Serial No. 2006-46629, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal, andmore particularly to a method for providing an idle screen of a mobilecommunication terminal.

2. Description of the Related Art

Typically, mobile terminals include various convenience features forenhancing the use of the terminals in addition to the basiccommunication function. As display technologies become more advanced,mobile terminal displays have become larger and capable of displayingmore colors. As user demands have increased, it has become moreimportant to utilize the screen space of mobile terminal displays moreefficiently and creatively to improve user convenience.

However, although conventional mobile terminals can provide desiredsounds and screens based on download services, the idle screens aretypically the same. For example, a user is typically only allowed toselect an image, name, and/or a clock to be displayed at predeterminedlocations on an idle screen. Although content such as, photos, movingpictures, etc. may be displayed on the idle screen in addition to theimages, the amount of information available from such an idle screen islimited. As a result, conventional mobile terminals cannot provide userswith satisfactory interfaces.

When a user of a conventional mobile communication terminal desires tomodify an image displayed on a display screen, the user must manuallymodify everything displayed on the display screen using various keyoperations. Accordingly, conventional mobile communication terminalscannot provide means for easily modifying the image displayed on thescreen. As such, the idle screen of conventional mobile communicationterminals can be modified only through key operations in a limited andpassive fashion. Accordingly, there is a need for an idle screen displaywhich could be dynamically modified and suited to a specific conditionof the mobile communication terminals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve theabove-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and an object ofthe present invention is to provide a method for providing idle screenlayers having a visual effect so that the idle screen of a mobilecommunication terminal can be varied depending on a specific conditionof the terminal in order to provide the user with a new and pleasantinterface, as well as a method for providing an idle screen by using thesame.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method forproviding idle screen layers having a visual effect so that differentidle screens are provided when the user of a mobile communicationterminal travels between countrys, as well as a method for providing anidle screen by using the same.

In order to accomplish these objects, there is provided a method forproviding layers of an idle screen having a visual effect in a mobilecommunication terminal, the method including providing a backgroundlayer for displaying a background image corresponding to a time zonebased on a current location of the mobile communication terminal;providing a country-based landmark layer for displaying a landmark imageon the idle screen while being superimposed on the background imagedisplayed by the background layer, the landmark image corresponding tolocational information received when the mobile communication terminalmoves; and providing an event-related layer for displaying apredetermined animation effect when an event has occurred in the mobilecommunication terminal, the animation effect being superimposed on theidle screen so as to inform of the event.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method for providing an idle screen having a visual effect ina mobile communication terminal, the method including determiningwhether locational information is received when the mobile communicationterminal moves; displaying an idle screen with a landmark imagesuperimposed on a background image when it is determined that locationalinformation has been received, the landmark image corresponding to thelocational information, the background image corresponding to a timezone at a current location of the mobile communication terminal;monitoring occurrence of an event in the mobile communication terminalwhile the idle screen is displayed; and displaying a predeterminedanimation effect when an event has occurred, the animation effect beingsuperimposed on the idle screen so as to inform of the event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be more apparent from the following detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the construction of a mobilecommunication terminal according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustration of a layer structureof an idle screen of a mobile communication terminal according to thepresent invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are screen shots illustrating idle screens of a mobilecommunication terminal according to the present invention;

FIGS. 4A to 4C are screen shots illustrating idle screens displayinglandmark images for respective countries according to the presentinvention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are screen shots illustrating idle screens displays whenan event has occurred according to the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are screen shots illustrating idle screens displayedwhen an event has occurred according to the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an idlescreen, which is varied depending on a specific condition of a mobilecommunication terminal, by using a layer structure for the idle screenaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the followingdescription of the present invention, a detailed description of knownfunctions and configurations incorporated herein is omitted to avoidmaking the subject matter of the present invention unclear.

The present invention teaches a method for providing different idlescreens depending on a specific condition of a mobile communicationterminal so that a user is provided with a corresponding graphicalimpression. According to the present invention, when a user travelsbetween countries, a corresponding border crossing is detected so thatthe idle screen switches from a landmark image of a country before thecrossing to that of corresponding a country located on the other side ofthe crossing. In addition, when an event has occurred, an animationeffect corresponding to that event is output on the idle screen. Assuch, the user of a mobile communication terminal is provided with auser interface having enhanced entertainment features.

The components and operation of a mobile communication terminalincorporating the above-mentioned functions will now be described withreference to FIG. 1, which illustrates the construction of a mobilecommunication terminal according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile communication terminal according to thepresent invention includes a control unit 100, a key input unit 110, adisplay unit 120, a memory 130, a radio unit 140, and an audioprocessing unit 150.

The control unit 100 controls the overall operation of the mobilecommunication terminal. Particularly, the control unit 100 controls thedisplay unit 120 so as to display different idle screens depending on aspecific condition of the mobile communication terminal. Based on thecurrent location of the mobile communication terminal, a correspondinglandmark image is displayed on the idle screen. Specifically, when theuser of the mobile communication terminal travels between countries, alandmark image corresponding to a country in which the user is currentlylocated is output on the idle screen. As used herein, the landmark imagerefers to an image of a symbol representing a corresponding country, andthe type of the image is not limited herein as long as it is typical ofa corresponding country.

More particularly, when the user of the mobile communication terminaltravels between countries or cities, the control unit 100 receivesmobile communication network identification codes from mobilecommunication network exchange offices, which provide mobilecommunication network services in corresponding service regions. Themobile communication network identification codes include an MCC (MobileCountry Code) and an MNC (Mobile Network Code). It can be easilyunderstood by those skilled in the art that, in addition to theabove-mentioned method, any type of method may be used to detect theborder crossing and obtain network information, including the MCC, fromcorresponding networks by the control unit 100 (e.g., a method based onroaming), as long as the MCC is obtainable.

Based on the received mobile communication network identification code,the control unit 100 loads a landmark image corresponding to the MCC anddisplays it on the display unit 120. Then, the control unit 100 displaysa dynamically changing icon on the landmark image, which acts as abackground, so as to inform of an event, particularly an incoming call,a message (e.g., Short Messaging Service, (SMS), Multimedia MessagingService (MMS), e-mail, etc.), or an alarm. The icon moves randomly. Assuch, according to the present invention, an idle screen is varied inreal time based on information regarding the current location of themobile communication terminal. In addition, a dynamically changing iconinforms of an event. This enhances the visual effect provided by themobile communication terminal.

The key input unit 110 acts as an interface with the user. To this end,the key input unit 110 has includes keys such as function keys, numerickeys 0-9, and/or special keys *, # and provides the control unit 100with key input data in response to the user's key input. Particularly,when one of the keys is operated, the key input unit 110 outputscorresponding key input data, which is transmitted to the control unit100. Then, the control unit 100 identifies the operated key based on thedata and performs a corresponding operation.

The display unit 120 displays data based on the key input data from thekey input unit 110 under the control of the control unit 100. Inaddition, the display unit 120 displays the operating condition of themobile communication terminal, as well as various types of information,via icons and characters. When the user wants to set up or drive anecessary function, the display unit 120 provides a visual expression ofthe corresponding condition under the control of the control unit 100.The display unit 120 also displays different display landmark images asthe user of the mobile communication terminal travels between countriesor cities.

The memory 130 consists of a ROM and a RAM for storing a number ofprograms and data. According to the present invention, the memory 130stores received mobile communication network identification codes andlandmark images of countries corresponding to the identified mobilecommunication networks. In addition, the memory 130 stores dataregarding display items for respective layers, which is necessary todisplay landmark images for respective countries as the backgroundscreen.

The radio unit 140, which is connected to the control unit 100, convertsaudio and control data into radio signals and transmits them. Inaddition, the radio unit 140 receives radio signals, converts them intoaudio and control data, and outputs them.

The audio processing unit 150, which is connected to the control unit100, converts audio data from the control unit 100 into audible soundsand outputs them via a speaker. In addition, the audio processing unit150 converts audio signals from a microphone into data and transmits itto the control unit 100. If necessary, the audio processing unit 150 maybe adapted to output sound effects based on the movement of the icon,which informs of an event, on the idle screen. When the icon looks likean airplane, for example, a booming sound is output.

A layer structure of the screen for outputting a visual effect dependingon a specific condition of the mobile communication terminal, which isconstructed according to the present invention, will now be describedwith reference to FIG. 2, which shows a layer structure of an idlescreen of a mobile communication terminal according to the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 2, an idle screen of a mobile communication terminalaccording to the present invention includes a country-based landmarklayer 210 for providing landmark images (e.g., symbolic objects,buildings, etc.) for respective countries when the user of the mobilecommunication terminal travels between countries or cities, a backgroundlayer 200 for providing a background, which varies depending on the timezone, for the landmark images, and a time icon layer 230 for providingan icon or image which informs of the time at a corresponding location.The idle screen further includes an event-related layer 220 forinforming of the occurrence of an event and adding a predefinedanimation effect for better visual impressions and an operator iconlayer 215 for providing a corresponding operator landmark item when theoperator network has been changed. In principle, the items (includingimages) provided by respective layers are superimposed upon each otherin such a manner that they can be recognized visually. It should beunderstood that the order of the layers shown in FIG. 2 is illustrativeonly in that other ordering with the layers is possible.

An example of the idle screen, which is constructed as mentioned above,is shown in FIG. 3A. As the user of the mobile communication terminaltravels between countries or cities, the country-based landmark layer210 displays different landmark images on a background provided by thebackground layer 200 so that the displayed landmark image reflects thecurrent location of the user.

According to the present invention, the background layer 200 providesdifferent background images depending on the time zone (e.g., dawn,morning, noon, afternoon, evening, night) based on the current locationof the mobile communication terminal. The background layer 200 may alsoprovide background images depending on the season.

The country-based landmark layer 210 provides landmark images forrespective countries as the user of the mobile communication terminaltravels between countries or cities. The landmark images aresuperimposed on the background provided by the background layer 200.

When the mobile communication terminal accesses an operator networkbased on an MNC included in a mobile communication networkidentification code, the operator icon layer 215 provides an item (e.g.,an image or icon) as the operator landmark so as to indicate theoperator network to which the mobile communication terminal is currentlyconnected. An example of the operator landmark provided by the operatoricon layer 215 is labeled 400 in FIG. 3A. Alternatively, the operatorlandmark may appear on the idle screen when the mobile communicationterminal switches from the original operator network to another operatornetwork.

The event-related layer 220 provides various types of animation effectsso as to inform of the occurrence of events (e.g., incoming messages,etc.). The animation effects may include icons moving along randomtrajectories such as airplanes in an air show and/or flames becomingbigger or smaller. Smoke from the airplane or colors of the flame may bevaried so as to optionally indicate a specific effect related to theevent.

The time icon layer 230 provides various watch-type icons, includingthat labeled 410 in FIG. 3A and that labeled 420 in FIG. 3B, so as toinform of the current time based on the location of the mobilecommunication terminal.

FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate different country-based landmark imagesdepending on the MCC provided by corresponding networks when the user ofthe mobile communication terminal travels between countries.

Particularly, FIG. 4A shows an image of an old castle displayed on theidle screen as a landmark of Germany. When the user of the mobilecommunication terminal travels into Germany, the country-based landmarklayer 210 provides that image while being superimposed on thebackground, which is provided by the background layer 200 so as toinform of the current time. FIG. 4B shows an image of Leaning Tower ofPisa, which is a landmark of Italy, when the user travels into Italy.FIG. 4C shows an image of a windmill, which is a landmark of Holland. Assuch, when the border crossing is detected, a corresponding landmarkimage is displayed as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. The landmark images maybe created by the user as desired. Alternatively, the user may receivelandmark images from content providers and select or modify them.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example of the idle screen displayed when anevent has occurred and the event-related layer 220 provides acorresponding animation effect by moving an airplane icon as in the caseof an air show. FIG. 5B illustrates another example of an idle screendisplayed when two events have occurred and a corresponding animationeffect is provided by varying the color of smoke from the airplane inaccordance with the type of events. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates examplesof an idle screen displayed when the background layer 200 providesbackground images corresponding to the time zone of night and theevent-related layer 220 provides animation effects on the backgroundimage according to events which have occurred. Particularly, the colorof flames indicates the type of events in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As shown inthe drawings, different animation effects are outputted depending on thetime zone based on the current time, as well as the type of events.Although airplanes and flames are given as examples of the animationeffect, the type is not limited to that in the present invention. Inthis regard, the present invention advantageously enables the user toobtain desired information in an easy and efficient manner, because,instead of paying attention to a specific icon on the idle screen inorder to obtain information associated with that icon, the user cangrasp the current condition of the mobile communication terminal simplyby glancing at the idle screen.

A method for providing an idle screen in various manners, as mentionedabove, will now be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an idlescreen, which is varied depending on a specific condition of a mobilecommunication terminal, by using a layer structure for the idle screenaccording to the present invention. Although FIGS. 4A to 5B will bereferred to in the following description, the method is not limited tothat in the present invention.

The control unit 100 displays an idle screen, as shown in FIG. 4B or 4C,which is based on a layer structure as shown in FIG. 2.

According to the present invention, the control unit 100 displays alandmark image, which corresponds to locational information receivedwhen the user of the mobile communication terminal travels, on the idlescreen. Particularly, the control unit 100 detects border crossing ofthe user of the mobile communication terminal between countries orcities in step 710. When the border crossing is detected, the controlunit 100 locates the terminal based on the network information receivedat the current location. The control unit 710 identifies an MCC at thecurrent location based on the network information in step 720. Thecontrol unit 100 loads a country-based landmark image, which correspondsto the identified MCC, from the memory 130. The control unit 100replaces the current landmark image on the idle screen with a landmarkimage corresponding to the MCC in step 730. For example, when it isdetected that the user has moved into Germany, for example, the landmarkimage shown in FIG. 5A is output on the idle screen. The time icon layer230 provides a corresponding watch icon, and the background layer 200provides a background based on the corresponding time zone. The icon andthe background are superimposed on the landmark image and constitute theidle screen as a whole.

The control unit 100 monitors the occurrence of an event, including anincoming call, an incoming message (e.g., SMS, MMS, email, etc.), andarrival of alarm time, in step 740. When an event has occurred, thecontrol unit 100 outputs an animation effect, as shown in one of FIGS.5A to 6B, corresponding to the event in step 750.

Although FIGS. 3A to 6B illustrates examples of idle screens accordingto the present invention, particularly watch icons (e.g., see, FIGS. 3Aand 3B), an old castle in Germany (e.g. see FIG. 4A), Leaning Tower ofPisa in Italy (e.g., see, FIG. 4B), a windmill in Holland (e.g., see,FIG. 4C), airplanes moving randomly as a result of events (FIGs. e.g.,see, 5A and 5B), and flames (e.g., see, FIGS. 6A and 6B), the presentinvention is not limited to these figures. Various visual effects(including images and/or icons) may be provided depending on the choiceof the user, service provider, or terminal manufacturer. The user maycreate his/her own visual effects or receive them from contentsproviders and modify them as desired.

As mentioned above, the present invention is advantageous in that itprovides the user with idle screens conforming to various demands sothat the user interface of the mobile communication terminal hasenhanced entertaining features.

The user can freely set up and modify the visual effect on the idlescreen. This facilitates development of the relevant industry.

The user can grasp the current condition of the mobile communicationterminal, including the current location, time zone, and occurrence ofan event, simply by glancing at the idle screen.

The user is provided with a customized idle screen according to his/hertaste so that the overall look and feel of the mobile communicationterminal can be improved.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims.

1. A method for providing layers of an idle screen endowed with a visualeffect in a mobile communication terminal, the method comprising thesteps of: providing a first layer for displaying a background imagecorresponding to a time zone based on a current location of the mobilecommunication terminal; providing a second layer for displaying alandmark image on the idle screen, while being superimposed upon thebackground image displayed by the first layer, the landmark imagecorresponding to locational information; and providing a third layer fordisplaying a predetermined animation effect when an event has occurredin the mobile communication terminal, the animation effect beingsuperimposed upon the idle screen so as to inform of the event.
 2. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, further comprising providing a time iconlayer for displaying a watch icon informing of time based on the currentlocation of the mobile communication terminal.
 3. The method as claimedin claim 1, further comprising providing an operator icon layer fordisplaying an operator landmark image based on a mobile network codewithin the locational information when an operator network has beenchanged, the operator landmark image corresponding to a new operatornetwork.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the watch icon andthe operator landmark image are superimposed on the idle screen so as tobe recognized visually.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein thewatch icon and the operator landmark image are superimposed on the idlescreen so as to be recognized visually.
 6. A method for providing anidle screen endowed with a visual effect in a mobile communicationterminal, the method comprising the steps of: determining whetherlocational information is received when the mobile communicationterminal moves; displaying an idle screen with a landmark imagesuperimposed upon a background image when it is determined that thelocational information has been received, the landmark imagecorresponding to the locational information, the background imagecorresponding to a time zone at a current location of the mobilecommunication terminal; monitoring occurrence of an event in the mobilecommunication terminal while the idle screen is displayed; anddisplaying a predetermined animation effect when an event has occurred,the animation effect being superimposed upon the idle screen so as toinform of the event.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 6, furthercomprising displaying a watch icon superimposed upon the idle screen soas to inform of time at the current location of the mobile communicationterminal.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising:determining whether an operation network has changed based on a mobilenetwork code within the locational information while the idle screen isdisplayed; and displaying an operator landmark image superimposed uponthe idle screen when it is determined that the operator network haschanged, the operator landmark image corresponding to a new operatornetwork.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locationalinformation is a mobile communication network identification codecomprising a mobile network code and a mobile country code received froma corresponding network when the mobile communication terminal movesbetween countries.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein thestep of displaying the idle screen comprises: identifying the mobilecountry code within the locational information; and loading a landmarkimage of a country corresponding to the mobile country code so as todisplay the landmark image on the idle screen.